LeBron James opting into his player contract with the Los Angeles Lakers, followed by a statement released by his agent, has fueled trade and buyout rumors for the last week. He wants the best possible chance to compete for a championship, and even though the Lakers now have Luka Doncic, the rest of the roster is discombobulated, at best.

James opted into his contract but is reportedly watching the Lakers' offseason moves closely. Will the NBA's biggest star demand a trade?

Brian Windhorst said on ESPN Cleveland that the superstar and the Lakers are "beginning to move apart" and that this is the beginning of the end of his time with the franchise (h/t Lakers Daily ).